IMPACT OF IRRIGATION ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN ASSAM: A POOLED REGRESSION ANALYSIS

Agricultural Economics

Irrigation plays a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity by ensuring stable and efficient crop growth. Despite its rich agrarian potential, the state of Assam remains constrained by inadequate irrigation infrastructure. This paper seeks to empirically examine the relationship between irrigation intensity and crop yields in Assam. The analysis is based on secondary data covering irrigation coverage, crop yields, and other agro-economic variables from 2009 to 2024, obtained from the Statistical Handbook of Assam and the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Assam. Using the Pooled Regression Model, the study finds that irrigation intensity exerts a significantly positive impact on agricultural productivity in the state. The findings underscore the importance of targeted investments in irrigation infrastructure, particularly in regions with limited access. Policy implications suggest the expansion of micro-irrigation systems and improved groundwater utilisation to enhance water-use efficiency. Overall, the study concludes that strengthening irrigation systems is vital for achieving sustainable agricultural growth in Assam.

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